Donald Rikley

Rikley, Donald (former Director of Education for the Renfrew County District School Board) – passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the age of 90 years.  

Donald Rikley of Pembroke, beloved husband of Denise Rikley (nee Burgess). Dear father of Christine Weststrate (Terry), Ottawa; Anne Rikley, Toronto; and Kevin Rikley (Margaret), Oakville.  Grandfather of Kaitlyn Rikley (Ansu), Hamilton; Erik Rikley (Rhiannon), Toronto; James Rikley, Oakville; Jacob Rikley, Oakville; Quinn Weststrate, Ottawa; and Jackson Tripp, Toronto.  Son of the late George and Iva Rikley (nee Minaker).  Don was brother to the late Marlene Philp (late Robert), Janet Robinson (John), the late Fred Rikley (late Clara) and the late Diane Walmsley (late Ross).  Brother-in-law to the late Neil Burgess (Joan), Lois Bird (Robert) and the late Carol Giggey (Charlie).  Don is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  

Don grew up on a farm near Wallbridge, Ontario and began his teaching career in a one room schoolhouse.  He was a dedicated teacher and rose to become Director of Education for the Renfrew County District School Board.  He advocated for all children and especially those with special needs.  He was also committed to improving the lives of people within his community through his service with the Kiwanis Club (past president) and worked as a school board trustee.   

Don was a beloved father and grandfather. He was a Life Master bridge player and passed on his love and knowledge of the game to his children and grandchildren.  He was an accomplished artist with a hundred plus works of art in latex and oil paints.  Despite a stroke, he continued painting until 2020.  Several paintings are on display at the family cottage, (that he built), where upon arrival the bridge table would be set up ready for anyone who wanted to play.  After retiring he started planning the build of their retirement home out Mud Lake Road area.  He and Denise lived there for many years before moving to Riverview Heights Retirement Residence in 2019 where he recently passed away. He will be dearly missed.  We would like to thank the staff at Riverview Heights for their excellent and extended help looking after our parents over the last few years.  Much Appreciated!

Respecting Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life for Don G. Rikley will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 68 Renfrew St., Pembroke on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. followed by interment of ashes in Holy Trinity Anglican Cemetery.  Family and friends are welcome to join back at the church for a luncheon and socializing. Arrangements entrusted to the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, Pembroke.  As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Ottawa Heart Institute, Cancer Society, or any charity of your choice would be appreciated.